Disney Announces Grand-Opening Date of New Fantasyland

by Angela Nazworth | August 8, 2012 11:07 am

[1]Fans of Walt Disney‘s (NYSE:DIS[2]) Magic Kingdom have only four more months to wait for the grand opening of the theme park’s new Fantasyland.

The expanded Fantasyland — located in one of four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando — is slated to officially open on Dec. 6, 2012. According to the folks at Disney, the updates on the beloved land will stay true to Fantasyland’s purpose.

“Fantasyland is a place where a very special kind of memory is made: where children just old enough to understand the moment come in contact with princesses and heroes and meet their most beloved friends,” Meg Crofton, president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, United States and France, said in a press statement[3].

Crofton added that the updates give guests new opportunities to interact with their favorite characters.

Here’s what Magic Kingdom guests can expect to experience when the new Fantasyland — which has doubled in size — is revealed in December.

Two colorful Dumbos spinning through the sky above “Storybook Circus”: The famous “Dumbo, the Flying Elephant” attraction will be updated with a second elephant. The Storybook Circus area will also feature additional updates like the “Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station.“

“Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid”: The area dedicated to Ariel will include a new restaurant, several new attractions and more opportunities to meet the spunky mermaid.

The Beast’s Village: The Beast’s castle will house an upscale restaurant, ballroom and the mysterious “West Wing” that Belle was forbidden to enter. Other attractions paying homage to Beauty and The Best will be located nearby.

Belle’s Cottage: A hop skip and a jump from Beast’s village will be the spot where guests can interact with Belle and other storybook characters.

Updates to Fantasyland won’t stop in December.

In 2013, guests can expect to waltz around the “Princess Fairytale Hall.” The musical ride, “The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train,” will make its rollicking debut in 2014.